Vegas Game Odds & Betting Preview: Virginia Tech vs Virginia

On Friday, all eyes in the Commonwealth of Virginia will be on the annual rivalry game between the Virginia Tech Hokies and Virginia Cavaliers. Game time is set for 8:00 EST on Friday, November 24 at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville, Virginia. The game will be televised on ESPN.

Oddsmakers list the Hokies as 7-point favorites on the road. The over/under for the game is set at 50 points. Click here to check out a full list of Week 13 betting odds and links to game previews.

Virginia Tech vs Virginia Game Betting Preview & Vegas Odds

The Cavaliers already know that they’ll be in a bowl game for the first time since 2011. However, that doesn’t change the fact that they’ve lost four of their last five games. A win against Virginia Tech would ensure them of a winning season and a .500 record in ACC play.

Virginia Tech has also stumbled coming down the stretch. The Hokies are an impressive 8-3 on the season, but they’ve lost two of their last three games, which has cost them a spot in the top-25.

Of course, the Hokies have had no problem taking care of business against their in-state rivals in recent years. Virginia Tech has beaten the Cavaliers 13 straight times, including a 52-10 blowout in Blacksburg last year. Virginia has just one win over the Hokies this century, all the way back in 2003, so the Cavs will consider themselves long overdue for a win.

Free NCAA Football Pick Against the Spread: Virginia Tech -7

Virginia has had a great season, and Bronco Mendenhall should be commended for doing an outstanding job turning things around. But I still see a sizable talent gap between these two teams. I’m going to lean toward Virginia Tech to cover a 7-point spread despite all the progress the Cavaliers have made this season.

Wins against Boise State and Georgia Tech have been the highlight of Virginia’s season. But they’ve struggled to compete for 60 minutes when the level of competition has been raised. Even Boston College and Pitt were able to beat Virginia by comfortable margins. Virginia Tech is definitely a level or two above where the Cavs are right now.

To be fair, the play of Tech quarterback Josh Jackson is a little bit of a concern right now. He’s hit a wall over the past month, which isn’t that unexpected for a young quarterback in a power 5 league. But the Hokies do have plenty of help around him, most notably wide receiver Cam Phillips. With an edge in athleticism, the Hokies should have a fair amount of success against Virginia’s defense.

On the other side of the ball, Virginia quarterback Kurt Benkert has had a fine senior season. He’s also coming off one of the best games of his career against Miami last week. That being said, his numbers have taken a dip during Virginia’s slump over the past month.

He’ll also be facing a Virginia Tech defense that’s among the top-10 in the country in points allowed this season. Their goal-line stand against Pitt last week is an example of how tough the Hokies can be on that side of the ball. Even at home, it won’t be easy for the Cavaliers to sustain drives.

With Virginia already clinching a bowl spot, I expect them to play with confidence against Virginia Tech. The game should be close and competitive well into the 2nd half. But look for the Hokies to create a few big plays on both sides of the ball and pull away late in order to cover the spread. Virginia has come a long way, but they’re not ready to beat their in-state rivals.